Clara Coffey

Clara Coffey, 94, passed away August 28, 2017 in Olympia, Washington, due to complications of a fall and ankle break. She was born in Olympia on June 13, 1923 to Joseph Charles and Cora Law. She graduated from Olympia High School in 1941. She met her husband, Ellis Coffey, at a bible camp meeting at Borst Park in Centralia while he was stationed at Fort Lewis. They were married on August 30, 1946. Clara’s first job was at Talcott Jewelers in downtown Olympia. Later she worked for Employment Security as a secretary until she started her family. She was a lifelong member of Evergreen Christian Community, first attending when she was less than a month old. She volunteered at the church and was missions secretary for many years. She volunteered many hours helping sand and stain the woodworking, railings and big front doors on the new church when it was being built at its new location in West Olympia in 1969-1970. Clara loved tending her many houseplants and outdoor flowers and large vegetable garden. She enjoyed canning and freezing, as well as sharing her bounty with family and friends. In their retirement years, she and Ellis enjoyed travelling together. She loved spending time with her family and many friends, playing with her grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren. Her favorite place for relaxation was at Carlyon Beach on a hot summer day, sitting under a shady tree just looking out at the water. Clara is survived by daughters, Janet (Toby) Whitrock of Longview, Washington and Debra (Chris) Rose of Olympia; and grandchildren, Jeff (Abbie) Rose, Amber (Fred) An, and Jamie Whitrock Pettit. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren: Lauren, Lillyanna, and Samuel Pettit; Paisley, Olive and Cordelia Rose; and Micah and Madeline An. She was predeceased by her husband, Ellis Coffey; and parents, Joseph and Cora Law. Please leave memories of Clara or condolences for her family in the Guestbook below.